Application of botulinum toxin in the repair of a complex ventral hernia.

Introduction: Preoperative application of botulinum toxin type A has demonstrated to be safe and effective in the closure of complex ventral hernias in adults. However, its use in pediatrics has been little documented.

Case report: We present the case of a 22-month-old girl with a complex abdominal wall ventral hernia secondary to multiple neonatal laparotomies. In a first procedure, botulinum toxin was administered using an intramuscular approach at six sites of the muscle layers surrounding the defect, under general anesthesia and ultrasound control. 4 weeks later, an open hernia repair was conducted, without complications.

Discussion: Botulinum toxin at low doses could facilitate the surgical treatment of complex ventral incisional hernias in children. Even though it is important to adjust dosage and anatomical reference points according to hernia type and patient age and weight, further studies are required to optimize these variables.